Astrology of Today – July 8, 2016

A New Moon occurred on the 4th and a First Quarter Moon will occur on July 11th.

Mars is direct and in its post-retrograde shadow until August 22nd.

Times are EDT

Horoscopes

Aries

Aries

There can be a nice feeling of contentment early today, dear Aries. You might very well enjoy handling work and household details today, and you are likely to come up with some great ideas about either or both of these matters. Health can also be a focus and an area for problem solving and fresh, new thinking. Family and/or co-workers can be cooperative and possibly quite helpful in terms of bringing new insight into your life. Cooperation with others helps fuel your motivation. We tend to be quite open today to learning from others and finding solutions rather than harping on the past early today. It’s a decent time unburden or unload, as well. As the day advances, we’re inclined to close up or withdraw, making it a better time to work on your own.

Taurus

Taurus

The first half of the day is great for discussing something dear to your heart, making a presentation, or winning someone’s favor, dear Taurus. Personal magnetism is super. There can also be good energy for communicating, spreading good word, word of mouth benefits, interesting offers, and good news or reviews. This is a potentially nice time for feeling a connection with someone special, and there can be a good sense of growth and faith in a relationship. It’s easier to verbalize exactly what you want, and this kind of positive communication can truly benefit you. Your ideas and opinions are received exactly as you intend them. While later today there can be some tensions to deal with revolving around relationships and/or finances, this can also serve to balance out your thinking as you consider realistic and practical angles.

Gemini

Gemini

Early today is useful for identifying those things of true value to you, dear Gemini. This makes purchases easy, but it can also extend to non-material realms – you may be seeing exactly what you want and need in a friend or partner, for example. Communicating with sensitivity comes quite naturally now. Feedback from family can be helpful. It’s a good time to make financial plans and to discuss strategies for reaching your goals, as well as for coming to a nice agreement with a partner or someone important to you. A problem that has bothered you might resolve itself or an accurate diagnosis is made. Your vision of an issue is big and broad, and this helps you to put things into perspective. Details of plans may need further attention, and fortunately, later today you are in the right frame of mind to consider them.

Cancer

Cancer

You may be excited about an idea or a particular topic of study today, dear Cancer. You can be making positive changes to the ways you communicate. The day is good for personal charm. Mercury in your sign is in good relationship with lucky Jupiter, and Venus in your sign connects well with healing Chiron. People may be enjoying your ideas and wisdom, and you’re communicating in positive ways. You are generous with your time and energy. It’s easier than usual to rise above problems and make the best of circumstances. Communications, learning, publishing, and transportation are favorable today. There may be a minor disconnect with a partner or co-worker this afternoon, but whatever conflict that emerges now can ultimately get you to a better, more realistic place.

Leo

Leo

Personal magnetism is on the quiet side, but it’s certainly there today, dear Leo. Quiet charm can be powerful and exactly what’s needed at times like these! Relationships tend to fare well with your increased sensitivity. An approach that’s modest and sincere tends to be the most successful for the time being. This is a time for setting some trends and making it easy for others to follow along. Dreams and intuition are fertile for ideas today. You may be in a supportive role and enjoying taking care of someone now. Private time is helpful, although you are likely to feel quite connected with others. While the first half of the day is strong for big ideas and plans, you’re more inclined to concern yourself with practical details later today.

Virgo

Virgo

Your ability to tap into patience today is admirable, dear Virgo, and can bring rewards. You’re thinking in big terms, but you’re comfortable enough to understand the value of making long-term plans. This is a strong day for sorting out problems. Others tend to listen to what you have to say, or you are drawing in opportunities as you communicate more openly and positively with your ruler, Mercury, in easy aspect to Jupiter in your sign. Your more easygoing and likable qualities are pronounced and attractive. Your advice is useful and appreciated. You can inspire or be inspired by friends and connections. The Moon continues to transit your sign and this puts you in the forefront. Emotions run on the high side, but you are in control.

Libra

Libra

The morning can be very good for personal appeal and matters of the heart, dear Libra, largely due to open hearts and minds. As well, you have a good head for practical matters. Making plans for your money, business deals, and problem solving are all favored now. The power of positive thinking makes anything seem possible right now. You are well-aspected for commercial activity, negotiation, and settling contracts, as long as you’ve done your homework. Sensitive topics can be handled with more ease than usual. If you’re inclined to go over the top this morning, as the day advances you tend to come back down to earth. This can have a nice balancing effect on your day.

Scorpio

Scorpio

When it comes to love and partnership in the first half of the day, dear Scorpio, you’re in a particularly generous, open frame of mind. There is more patience to draw upon, and acceptance comes easily. It’s a good time to present ideas, make plans, and to think in big terms, particularly related to social and happiness goals, friendships, and group projects. Communications are in good form. Your sense for future trends is very sound right now. Opportunities open up to you as you share your ideas and make an effort to reach out to others. For some of you, a financial boost or gift can be part of the picture. While you should certainly think big this morning, there is good energy for slimming things down later today.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

Self-improvement endeavors are highly favored right now, dear Sagittarius. This morning is particularly strong for motivation levels and for coming to a mutually beneficial agreement. Cooperation comes easily. It can be a decent time for striking up a conversation about a private or personal matter if this can help you. People tend to give you good and useful feedback or advice now. Professional matters are positive, and for some of you, glowing. Be generous with your time and open to possibilities today for best results. Even so, as the day advances, it makes more sense to you to look after details and practicalities.

Capricorn

Capricorn

Early today is strong for personal appeal, dear Capricorn. There can be a wonderful sense of stability and faithfulness in love and friendship, and in small ways, you may be getting closer to someone. Your ability to put things into perspective can open up doors that were previously closed, not only because you’re entertaining new ideas, but also because others are more willing to consider your viewpoint. There may be a discovery of a new way to share your ideas that can be rewarding. It is also a good time to forgive and forget old hurts from the past, and to open up the lines of communication. Putting your head together with a partner can be fruitful. As the day advances, there can be some feeling of being on your own or unappreciated, however. This is temporary and may very well lead to something positive as you discover inner resources you never knew you had.

Aquarius

Aquarius

This morning, you have a sharper sense for what’s valuable, dear Aquarius. You can be quite pleased with work and the little things that you’ve accomplished. Good energy is with you in the first half of the day for optimistic feelings, sharing ideas with others, and solving problems quite happily. Your approach to practical matters is positive and creative. You may be tackling duties that you don’t typically feel motivated to complete. You can get much done now, and there is bound to be quite a bit of relief as you reduce the clutter in your mind and conscience. There is an easygoing way about how you express yourself now that is especially appealing to others. As the day advances, you’re more interested in the details than the big ideas.

Pisces

Pisces

Minds are open this morning, dear Pisces, so that making changes feels natural. Personal magnetism is good and matters of the heart can thrive. Thoughts flow, and so does the creative process. Consider expressing yourself through creative mediums. You are certainly recognizing a need for more creative and expressive outlets these days, and today, you are steering in the right direction. There can be a lot of activity today with regards to the exchange of ideas, communications with friends, and a flood of thoughts. A rewarding conversation can figure strongly. While the morning is good for big ideas, the afternoon is better for seeing the practical angles. Don’t let this comparatively more serious energy bring you down – use it to make refinements and edits.

The Details:

If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are some of the factors considered in the forecasts (for the astrology of the week, see This Week in Astrology):

Date & Time: Jul 8 2016 0:00 amEvent: Moon in VirgoDescription: The Moon in VirgoWe crave organization and order, and are quickly disturbed by anything standing in the way of these things. This is a good time for chores, organizing, and tidying. It’s also a time for scheduling health appointments and checkups, starting new routines, and generally tending to details.

Date & Time: Jul 8 2016 3:01 pmEvent: Tr-Tr Mon Sqr SatDescription: Transiting Moon Square Transiting SaturnWe could feel burdened, restricted, or limited during this brief influence. We could be feeling a little down on ourselves, excluded, or lonely. There can be some awkwardness or stiffness and difficulty showing affection and feelings. It’s important to be patient now.

Date & Time: Jul 8 2016 3:03 pmEvent: Tr-Tr Mon SSq VenDescription: Transiting Moon SemiSquare Transiting VenusRelationships may be subtly strained or unsettled. Try to relax and not obsess. Restlessness can lead to poor choices or overindulgence. Show restraint and reap the rewards.

Date & Time: Jul 8 2016 5:10 pmEvent: Tr-Tr Mon Opp NepDescription: Transiting Moon Opposition Transiting NeptuneWe can be faced with confusing events, and we may not be seeing others clearly. People may be noncommittal, elusive, or absent when we need them. We are more vulnerable and sensitive. Moods are hard to define. Honor your need to feed your more refined or spiritual side, and the difficult feelings will soon fade away.

Date & Time: Jul 8 2016 9:41 pmEvent: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj NodDescription: Transiting Moon Conjunction Transiting North NodeA time to embrace new opportunities for emotional growth. Accept challenges. New attachments, relationships, connections. Success may come through dealings with women or with the public. A time to consider your priorities vis a vis home and family and the outside world. Sensing current moods and trends. Fated meetings or connections.

Date & Time: Jul 8 2016 2:39 pmEvent: Tr-Tr Ven Sqq SatDescription: Transiting Venus SesquiSquare Transiting SaturnInteractions may not be flowing freely. There can be some concern about feelings, loyalties, money, and relationships. We are not as demonstrative and perhaps less appreciative. Small obstacles or hurdles require patience.

EARTH WEAKThere can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves. AIR WEAKWe may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative.WATER STRONGWe are more compassionate, emotional, and intuitive than usual, and we may react emotionally to situations, possibly at the expense of logic or practicality.

BALANCE OF MODES

CARDINAL STRONGWe are ready to take action and to take on challenges, and can become frustrated with stagnant conditions.FIXED WEAKWe may be open to change but may not have much follow-through.

Current Lunar Phase

LUNAR PHASE: CRESCENTMoon 45 to 90 degrees ahead of the Sun. This is an eager, impulsive, and progressive time. We are motivated and ready to take on challenges.

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EDT) on July 8th:

Note that when an aspect is applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected, or will perfect, in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies.

Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours, so that if an aspect involving is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today).

**I suggest paying close attention to applying aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect involving inner planets has happened, it’s over. Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences involving inner planets, which pass quickly, and not natal astrology aspects, which are with us for a lifetime).

The Moon through Mars: in Signs, Aspect, & Degree

THE MOON IN VIRGOWe have an emotional need for order with the Moon in Virgo. Diet, nutrition, health matters, work, and routines are in stronger focus. If we’re feeling out of sorts emotionally, we might also experience symptoms on a physical level now.

ASPECTS OF THE MOONCONJUNCTION JUPITER Orb 8°59′ ApplyingWe want to honor our inner code. We are generous with our energy, time, and money. Our feelings expand or are magnified, for better or for worse. It’s generally a good time to teach, learn, write, express ourselves, reach out, travel, publish, and promote. We may go over the top, however.

SQUARE SATURN Orb 1°35′ ApplyingWe could feel burdened, restricted, or limited during this brief influence. We could be feeling a little down on ourselves, excluded, or lonely. There can be some awkwardness or stiffness and difficulty showing affection and feelings. Patience is important now.

OPPOSITION NEPTUNE Orb 2°42′ ApplyingWe may be looking for emotional happiness outside of ourselves, and have a tendency to glamorize the past or what we don’t currently have. We can be more vulnerable now.

TRINE PLUTO Orb 7°01′ ApplyingWe can be quite focused now, driven by our goals and ambitions and motivated to put problems behind us. We might happily pour ourselves into a current passion or interest, and could find it easy to get to the bottom of things.

CONJUNCTION THE NORTH NODE Orb 5°03′ ApplyingThere is a stronger drive or need to be around others, to share ourselves, and to belong.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN CANCEROur attention is turned to our nest – our families, homes, and anything that makes us feel at home, safe, and secure. We take more pride in these things. We are more inclined to nurture and take care of our loved ones and our pet projects.

17TH DEGREE OF CANCERPart of Body: Duodenal opening of pancreatic duct Sabian Symbol: The germ grows into knowledge and life.

ASPECTS OF THE SUNCONJUNCTION MERCURY Orb 1°50′ SeparatingThoughts and communications about ourselves and our goals. We are expressing ourselves confidently, directly, and clearly.

TRINE MARS Orb 6°39′ ApplyingEnergy and vitality are strong. A good time to take the initiative. Effective decision-making is possible now.

SEXTILE JUPITER Orb 1°15′ ApplyingThere can be a good, nice, and healthy feeling of optimism and confidence now. We might promote, publish, advertise, or market with greater success. We are generous and tolerant, giving people the benefit of the doubt, expecting the best from others and from ourselves. We can see the big picture.

TRINE NEPTUNE Orb 5°01′ SeparatingWe are able to see matters, and people, from a perspective that allows for, and finds beauty in, differences. We may be recognizing our more charitable, altruistic, and compassionate urges.

OPPOSITION PLUTO Orb 0°42′ SeparatingWe may be struggling with issues of power and competition. There can be a feeling that external circumstances are undermining our own feeling of powerfulness. Through our encounters and reactions, we may be able to get in touch with our internal motivations.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN CANCERYou place importance on communication within the family. Information about your family and its background is also important to you. For instance you may like to collect family photos or study family history. You look after yourself and others by communicating emotional issues.

ASPECTS OF MERCURYCONJUNCTION VENUS Orb 6°52′ ApplyingWe are more agreeable, sociable, and focused on balance and harmony. Conversations flow nicely.

TRINE MARS Orb 4°49′ ApplyingYou are quick to grasp new ideas. You are an adept communicator and enjoy a good discussion.

SEXTILE JUPITER Orb 0°34′ SeparatingPositive thinking, new insights, cooperation, short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, test taking, and making diagnoses and observations. We more readily exercise good judgment and are open to learning.

SQUARE URANUS Orb 5°35′ ApplyingOriginal ideas but perhaps too radical or disorganized, or perceived as such. There can be mental or nervous tension experienced now. Mistakes can be made due to impatience.

OPPOSITION PLUTO Orb 2°33′ SeparatingWe can experience pressure to decide or come to a conclusion. Second-guessing and suspicion are possible now.

TRINE CHIRON Orb 6°27′ ApplyingWe can be more understanding and sympathetic to others now, particularly when it comes to sensitivity with what or how we communicate. We might talk or learn about healing methods.

VENUS

VENUS IN CANCERYou place emphasis on family relations. You will form strong emotional bonds within your own tribe. You may have an emotional need for financial security.

26TH DEGREE OF CANCERPart of Body: Mammary glands Sabian Symbol: Guests are reading in the library of a luxurious home.

ASPECTS OF VENUSTRINE MARS Orb 2°02′ SeparatingYou have a talent for relating to other people. You are a loyal and fun loving partner with an ability to balance intimacy with independence. You may take your own creative talents for granted and fail to make the most of them.

SQUARE URANUS Orb 1°17′ SeparatingYou are restless and lack commitment in your personal relationships. You are wilful and see anyone else’s claim on you as an obstacle to your freedom of self- expression. You need to learn to compromise and enjoy your partner’s unique contribution to your life.

TRINE CHIRON Orb 0°25′ SeparatingOpportunities for relationships or socializing can arise now. Interactions are open, warm, and supportive of growth.

MARS

MARS IN SCORPIOYou are a passionate warrior. You are dramatic, and may have strong sexual urges. You may make a vengeful opponent.

24TH DEGREE OF SCORPIOPart of Body: Nasal septum Sabian Symbol: Crowds coming down the mountain to listen to one man.

ASPECTS OF MARSQUINCUNX URANUS Orb 0°45′ ApplyingWe may be looking to dominate or to assert our independence if we feel trapped, restricted, or otherwise limited. Impulsiveness can be a problem. With creativity, we may be able to break through obstacles in unusual and unique ways.

TRINE CHIRON Orb 1°37′ ApplyingThere is more courage to face problems. Fighting for the underdog. Physical healing can help inner healing, and vice versa.

Jupiter through Pluto: in the Signs, by Degree, and in Aspect

JUPITER

JUPITER IN VIRGOYou have a strong desire to be of service, and high religious or spiritual ideals. You may also have an obsession with detailed perfection.

ASPECTS OF JUPITERTRINE PLUTO Orb 1°58′ SeparatingYou are enthusiastic about so many things, and have ambition to succeed. You naturally find yourself in leadership positions and react well to them.

OPPOSITION CHIRON Orb 7°01′ ApplyingThis can be a time when we are hungry for meaning and understanding, but it can be difficult to align ourselves with a personal philosophy or belief system that truly reflects our core. We might be led astray by beliefs and ideas now, or we might experience some form of crisis of faith.

CONJUNCTION THE NORTH NODE Orb 3°56′ SeparatingYour current life challenge is to embrace adventure. You may find yourself in situations which inspire you to see the big picture. Inspiring others, possibly through preaching or teaching, may be part of your life’s destiny. Benevolent groups may also play a key role.

SATURN

SATURN IN SAGITTARIUSSaturn in Sagittarius asks us to take on the responsibility of living according to our personal truths and principles, and to be loyal to these. This is a time for turning a critical eye to those beliefs and principles that don’t accurately reflect our authentic selves. (December 23, 2014 to June 14, 2015, then September 17, 2015 to December 20, 2017)

11TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUSPart of Body: Adductor muscles Sabian Symbol: The lamp of physical enlightenment at the left temple.

ASPECTS OF SATURNSQUARE NEPTUNE Orb 1°07′ SeparatingSome feelings of disillusionment can come now as our dreams and ideals can be put to the test. Questioning our faith in our dreams can lead to lack of follow-through or wasteful activities and avoidance of responsibilities. Ideally, this crisis leads to a realignment of material goals and spiritual ideals as we assess what is truly meaningful to us.

URANUS

URANUS IN ARIESThe urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong during this cycle. (May 27, 2010 to August 13, 2010, then March 11th, 2011 to May 15, 2018, then November 6, 2018 to March 6, 2019).

NEPTUNE IN PISCESA long-term influence in which fantasy, imagination, compassion, and spirituality are in stronger focus. (April 4, 2011 to August 4, 2011, then February 3, 2012 to March 30, 2025, then October 22, 2025 to January 26, 2026)

12TH DEGREE OF PISCESPart of Body: Plantar artery of right foot Sabian Symbol: An examination of initiates.

ASPECTS OF NEPTUNECONJUNCTION THE SOUTH NODE Orb 2°20′ SeparatingYou have a tendency to daydream and live in a fantasy world, possibly even escaping into the world of drugs and depression. Your quest in this life is to put your creative talents to positive use.

PLUTO

PLUTO IN CAPRICORNTests of our boundaries; breaking down and rebuilding structures and rules. (From January 25, 2008 to June 14, 2008, then November 26, 2008 to March 23, 2023, then June 11, 2023 to January 20, 2024, then September 1, 2024 to November 19, 2024).

17TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORNPart of Body: Condyle of left tibia Sabian Symbol: Someone surreptitiously bathing in the nude.

Chiron, Major Asteroids, and Moon’s Nodes: in Sign and in Aspect

CHIRON

CHIRON IN PISCES Strong awareness of our own vulnerabilities and humanity stimulates compassion for others. (April 20 to July 20, 2010, then February 8, 2011 to April 17, 2018, then September 25, 2018 to February 18, 2019).

26TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Plantar nerves Sabian Symbol: A new moon that divides its influences.

VESTA

VESTA IN GEMINI Networking and coordinating are two key factors in your work. You enjoy communicating and exchanging information, particularly at work. You have a tendency to avoid emotions, in favor of intellectual conversations. You may be a committed writer.

23RD DEGREE OF GEMINIPart of Body: Head of the humerus Sabian Symbol: Three fledglings in a nest high in a tree.

PALLAS

PALLAS IN PISCES You have a meditative mind, the ability to merge in your mind with the universe. You desire to heal the world through words, and may be involved in some form of artistic expression.

7TH DEGREE OF PISCESPart of Body: Right talus Sabian Symbol: A cross lying on rocks.

JUNO

JUNO IN SCORPIOYou want an intense and sexual relationship. You want your partner’s total attention and demand a high degree of sensuality.

CERES IN ARIES You feel cared for when people are allowing you to be independent. You also believe that the best way of caring for others is to let them be themselves. You will suffer if you feel dominated or caged in.

THE NORTH NODE IN VIRGO This is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

THE SOUTH NODE IN PISCES This is a quest to become dedicated to the service of others. You will need to overcome the tendency to daydream and feel overwhelmed and to put your compassion and wisdom to practical use for humanity.

15TH DEGREE OF PISCESPart of Body: Left cutaneous veins Sabian Symbol: An officer preparing to drill his men.